Tangy-sweet recipes featuring red grapefruit

Michele Borboa, MS is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health, fitness, food, lifestyle, and pets. Michele is a health and wellness expert, personal chef, cookbook author, and pet-lover based in Bozeman, Montana. She is also...

Healthy & sweet

With the holiday season fast approaching, you may already feel like the selection of healthy foods is on the decline - heartier meals are in season as are the usual holiday candy and pastries. However, there is one seasonal treat you don't want to miss. Starting this month, red grapefruit from Texas and Florida should be making its way to a produce aisle near you. Low in calories (merely 60 calories per half) and high in scintillating flavor, grapefruit is a must-have for your health-conscious quest to eat better despite the high-calorie holiday fare. Here are few tangy-sweet recipes courtesy of TexaSweet Citrus Marketing.

Red grapefruit recipes

Frosty Texas Refresher

Serves 4

A delicious wake-me-up that rivals the typical morning glass of juice.

Directions: Juice grapefruit and measure out 1-1/3 cups for this recipe, save the remaining juice for another use. In a blender, puree juice, strawberries, sherbet and 1 tablespoon honey. Sweeten with more honey, if desired. Pour into glasses and garnish with grapefruit.

Grapefruit and Mint Salsa

Makes 2 to 3 cups

Tired of tomato-based salsas? You'll love this fresh grapefruit and mint rendition. The salsa's sprite flavors are delectable paired with mild flavored fish or chicken. You can even puree it with cream cheese for a festive dip.

Directions: Cut the grapefruit sections into chunks and place in a large bowl. Add mint, pimento and jalapeno. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons reserved grapefruit juice and olive oil. Pour over grapefruit mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and serve at room temperature.

Texas Turkey Salad

Serves 4

A light lunch on those busy days you need to keep up your energy. The combination of protein from the poultry and the healthy carbs from the grapefruit becomes a satisfying and refreshing midday meal.

Directions: 1. Halve and juice 3 of the grapefruit to make 1-3/4 cups juice and set aside. With a spoon, scrape membrane out of grapefruit peel, making bowls. Peel and remove sections from remaining grapefruit and reserve for garnish.

2. In a small saucepan, soften gelatin in cold water, then dissolve over low heat. Set aside. Puree cheese, sugar and grapefruit juice in a blender.